Terror in the Skies, Again?

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
I think the flight attendant did the best she could to allay obvious fears. It would do no one any good if frightened passengers thought that there was no security on the plane. Furthermore, had they been terrorists intend on doing harm, four air marshalls may have needed to depend upon those Caucasian U.S citizens for assistance. The thinking has changed.

Detroit to LAX is not such a dangerous route that the TSA would post multiple air marshalls on this single flight.

The flight attendant, if they did indeed have this conversation, violated TSA and probably airline policy. His/her actions did more to compound fears than allay them. This is one reason why I think this whole article is a fraud... I don't know any flight attendant who would risk their job like that.

 

[goofy4tink]

You know, it is sad that we automatically tend to judge those of Middle Eastern backgrounds. I do it too, in certain situations (like being on an airplane). But, let's face it...it was men of Middle Eastern descent that took over 3 of our planes and killed thousands. And it is Middle Eastern men that have made further claims to try other terrorist attacks against us. So, will I continue to be very wary when flying? Yes. We have been told to be vigilent and to report any strange behavior. I have to say that when my mother flew on ElAl airlines years ago, she had no problem with their security systems. She said that those searches would never be permitted in the USA but they sure did make her feel safe. Sometimes we have to give up some freedoms for the greater good. If we have to wait longer at the airport, or take off our shoes, or be wanded...so be it. I'll wait the extra time. We flew out of Sanford Fl going back to Ma in Nov '01. My dd, then 8, couldn't bring her beloved teddy bear on the plane. Against the rules it seems. She has always flown with the bear in her arms. She just had to live with it. Yes, it was very soon after 9/11 but still, I think we have gone back to our normal routines and don't give as much thought to terroism as we could. It will happen again....we just don't know where or when. Are the terrorists winning everytime we get scared? Probably, but I'll still remain vigilant and report strange behavior. Trying to be cautious not afraid.

 

[4cruisin]

Steve,
Could this article actually be a work of fiction...sure. But going on the assumption that it is true:
1. Maybe the flight attendant was just trying to allay fears or
2. Maybe security had a tip about this particular flight.

I hope to God this article is false. Only time will tell.
I stand by my original statements that if racial profiling is what is needed to make us more secure, then so be it.

 

[piglet too]

I must ask why we are only afraid of Muslim men? Yes I know who the terrorists on the planes on 9/11 were, but what about Oklahoma City? Do we forget that they were white males???? Who is to say that white "american looking" men could not be terrorists?

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
Why is that sad? Is there another group that has taken over planes and flown them into buildings? If so, I apologize because I've not heard about it.

Of course not all people of Middle Eastern descent are terrorists, that's ludicrous. But if a group of Middle Easterners have already committed a crime, and you know that there are members of that same group (made up of Middle Easterners) that want to commit more acts of terror, why would they not be the number one suspects? Not the only suspects, obviously, but there is always a list of most likely to least likely, is there not?

So, we justify an irrational fear and a preconceived opinion of a single group of people based on their race/nationality because a baker's dozen who happened to share that race/nationality committed a horrendous crime. Maybe I am missing something here, but how is this any different from any other type of prejudice that we claim to abhor?

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Uh oh...here comes a black guy...better hold onto your purse, ladies...quick, go ahead and run across the street before he gets to you !



And you wonder why the politics of fear disgust me ?

That's such a silly analogy that it doesn't even merit a response, but what the hell...

Which ethnic group has a history (and a long one, at that) of using airplanes to commit terrorist acts?

Does that mean that all Middle Easterners are terrorists? Of course not, that's silly. But tell me this - given the pattern of terrorist activity against this country over the past 15 years, do you believe it is more likely that the next terrorist act in this country will be committed by Middle Easterners or Western Europeans? By Middle Easterners or Mexicans? By Middle Easterners or by blonde haired, blue eyed nuns?

As such, does it make sense to say that all groups are equally suspicious, or does it make sense to pay special attention to the group that is, given history, MOST likely to commit the next act of terror?

That doesn't mean that we need to segregate them or treat them with disrespect or scorn, but that we need to pay close attention.

 

[Megan's Mom]

My dad has always told me to be aware of my surroundings and that was long before 9-11. You should always be cautious and aware of who and what is going on around you. Not that that is profiling but that is where people put themselves in danger. I would commend the staff and the passengers for being vigilent and aware. I would have been nervous if a group of 14 white men were milling around the restrooms and making strange signals.

When we flew with DD last year, she is in a wheelchair and we had to take her out of her chair so they could search her chair. they patted down her doll. WE had to take her shoes off. I guess you never can be too careful.

 

[4cruisin]

Originally posted by goofy4tink
You know, it is sad that we automatically tend to judge those of Middle Eastern backgrounds. I do it too, in certain situations (like being on an airplane). But, let's face it...it was men of Middle Eastern descent that took over 3 of our planes and killed thousands. And it is Middle Eastern men that have made further claims to try other terrorist attacks against us.

It was actually 4 planes not 3. 2 into the Trade Towers, 1 into the Pentagon and 1 crashed in PA.

Just a point.

 

[wvrevy]

Originally posted by Galahad
I agree! It disgusts me too.

Uh Oh. Here comes a conservative Christian....watch out, he may pray at you.....

hyperbole begats hyperbole, don't you think?

True, but it helps when it makes sense

I could care less what Christians pray about, and it's completely irrelevant to the discussion. However, racial profiling IS the discussion. If one practice (profiling blacks) is repugnant, then so is the other (profiling muslims).

Besides...I don't think it's Dems pushing the politics of fear on people, so you'll have to address your agreement to your own party leaders

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by 4cruisin
Steve,
Could this article actually be a work of fiction...sure. But going on the assumption that it is true:
1. Maybe the flight attendant was just trying to allay fears or
2. Maybe security had a tip about this particular flight.

I hope to God this article is false. Only time will tell.
I stand by me original statements that if racial profiling is what is needed to make us more secure, then so be it.

A properly trained and experienced flight attendant is not going to risk their job by announcing to an unknown passenger that there are federal marshalls on the flight. That information is simply not made known to individual passengers regardless of how frightened they may be. I also doubt that a properly trained flight attendent is going to conspire with the same unknown passenger to pass notes to said marshalls.

If the TSA or other agency had information about any possible danger to this flight, I am certain that they would do extra, extended screening of all passengers on the flight or even go so far as to cancel the flight.

Is this a work of fiction? Most likely, yes. It reads like a pathetic cry for attention from someone who is looking to get something for some minor inconvenience. So, they take an innocent situation and blow it up into an event rivaling 9/11 in horror.

If this was such a horrific experience for so many on this flight, I wonder why there's been nothing said in any other media about it. Seems odd, given what happened...

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Besides...I don't think it's Dems pushing the politics of fear on people, so you'll have to address your agreement to your own party leaders

I didn't note in the article the political affiliation of the author. I just noted that it was a family flying across the country like thousands of families do every day. I don't think the terrorists care who is a dem or a repub. They only want to see America destroyed and are unconcerned about who you vote for.

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
Who was the actor, (his name eludes me right now) who was on one of the dry runs from BOS to LAX before 9/11? Maybe if someone had "over reacted" on that flight when there was a bevy of suspicious behavior, we wouldn't have had a 9/11. If you can point out to me where Caucasian males are blowinig up planes or flying them into buildings, you may have a valid point but for now, its Middle Easterners 13 for 13.

I hadn't heard about the actor on the dry run. But BRAVO to your statement...it's Middle Easterners 13 for 13 for sure. I get pulled over and have to take my shoes off, my bag gets searched twice because my metal Altoids box looks suspicious. How many full-figured Italian women from New Haven have taken over airliners lately? Especially ones travelling with 3 small boys.

If I had seen what went on in that plane I would have DIED from fright.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
[B
Is this a work of fiction? Most likely, yes. It reads like a pathetic cry for attention from someone who is looking to get something for some minor inconvenience. So, they take an innocent situation and blow it up into an event rivaling 9/11 in horror.

... [/B]

Sounds like you have the inside scoop there Steve.

 

[Galahad]

I don't think it's Dems pushing the politics of fear on people

Not sure I agree in any respect. But in this specific one, if they are not wanting the electorate to vote for them out of fear of Muslims, many certainly want them to vote Dem out of fear of Conservative Christians, oil companies, loggers, pro-lifers, CEO's...what have you.....

 

[wvrevy]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
I didn't note in the article the political affiliation of the author. I just noted that it was a family flying across the country like thousands of families do every day. I don't think the terrorists care who is a dem or a repub. They only want to see America destroyed and are unconcerned about who you vote for.

I wasn't addressing the author of the "article", but the "they're out to get us" mentality that seems to pervade every republican campaign commercial (at least, those that don't attack their opponents directly).

But you're right. The actual terrorists don't care wether you're a Dem or a Republican. The problem I have is with assuming that all middle-eastern men are terrorists, and subjecting them to greater scrutiny because of their skin color.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by wvrevy
If one practice (profiling blacks) is repugnant, then so is the other (profiling muslims).

ITA! One would think this would be the case, but sadly 9/11 seems to have warped our thought processes, thus making it completely legitimate to harbor irrational fears about people based on race/nationality.

Many Americans do not accept the practice of racial profiling when practiced by city/state/county police forces, but somehow it's OK to do it on a national level at airports. What kind of logic is that?

Maybe one day we will all come to realize that it is a small fringe group of "these people" who mean us harm. But just as with any group, prejudice is a poison that slowly eats away at our rational thought processes and acts like a growth tonic to our most irrational fears.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by DawnCt1
Sounds like you have the inside scoop there Steve.

Nope, just a lot of experience reading pathetic rantings from people who crave attention.

 

[DawnCt1]

Originally posted by wvrevy
IThe problem I have is with assuming that all middle-eastern men are terrorists, and subjecting them to greater scrutiny because of their skin color.

Most Middle eastern men ARE NOT terrorists. Unfortunately, most terrorists ARE middle eastern men.

 

[want2retire]

May God protect ALL of us! I'm sure it is the fervent hope of everyone who has responded to this thread that our country never experiences any other events like those of 9-11-01. I am one not opposed to profiling in an effort to make travel as safe as possible. I don't think we should "bend over backward" to protect the "rights" of a person or group to the possible detriment of the masses. Only hindsight is 20/20. Just my opinion.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
ITA! One would think this would be the case, but sadly 9/11 seems to have warped our thought processes, thus making it completely legitimate to harbor irrational fears about people based on race/nationality.

Many Americans do not accept the practice of racial profiling when practiced by city/state/county police forces, but somehow it's OK to do it on a national level at airports. What kind of logic is that?

Maybe one day we will all come to realize that it is a small fringe group of "these people" who mean us harm. But just as with any group, prejudice is a poison that slowly eats away at our rational thought processes and acts like a growth tonic to our most irrational fears.

Wow, Steve this is really quite beautiful! Even though I think that you called me a fat lady on the other thread. (Just kidding) Are you sure that you are really a republican? Ha Ha!